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Arts festival in Reykjavik

One of the oldest and most respected festivals

The Arts festival celebrates the arts with a vibrant mix of national and international performers throughout the island. It has been in continuous growth since it first started at 1970 then held biannually until 2004 when it was decided to start having it annually.. Music, visual arts and theater are all represented. It is one of the oldest and most respected arts festivals in Northern Europe.

If you are interested in visiting the festival, be there when it takes place in mid May every year. The length of the festival is over two weeks. The Arts festival will be taking place at many locations in the heart of downtown Reykjavik until June 5th.

2011 program offers a range of concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, dances and operas, as well as one of Europe’s most celebrated directors, Oskaras Korsunovas. Concerts of all kinds, striking dance performances and colourful theatre experiences for all ages. A spirit of collaboration of many art forms can be felt in many events this year, opening doors to inspiring experiences for audiences and artists alike.

Some events will be taking place at the Harpa music hall, the construction is planned to be finished this spring. Spectacular events will be -German tenor Jonas Kaufmann performs with the Iceland Sympnony Orchestra at a gala concert in Harpa's main concert hall, and also the beloved American soprano Barbara Bonney, a superstar will be performing a solo recital at the Festival on June 5. Kaufmann, internationally recognized as one of the most important artists of our day, will sing French and Italian opera arias with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Peter Schrottner.

Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the unique atmosphere in Reykjavík during the Arts Festival, which brings joy and delight to Iceland's residents and guests in May each year.